Bail for Seattle officer set at $150K

A judge in Snohomish County has set bail at $150,000 for a veteran Seattle police officer arrested for investigation in the alleged molestation of the young daughter of a former girlfriend.

Prosecutors sought $250,000 bail Tuesday but a lawyer for 57-year-old Eric A. Smith of Bothell argued for a lower amount. Smith has been a Seattle officer for more than 30 years. He was booked into jail Monday for investigation of first-degree child molestation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. He has not been charged.

According to jail booking paperwork released by the Snohomish County prosecutor's office, the county sheriff's office began investigating in June after the girl, now 12, told a teacher she had been inappropriately touched from 2009 to 2013. The report prepared by detectives says their investigation found that the girl had been telling people since she was 7 that Smith had molested her. Investigators say she recanted the accusations at least once after Smith challenged her.

The Seattle officer is on paid leave. Police say Chief Kathleen O'Toole will re-evaluate his status if he is charged.